Do a few people in your 401(k) plan have the majority of the money? If so, the IRS may require you to do something about it.
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In line with the constantly evolving financial landscape, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regularly updates the regulations surrounding retirement plans, including 401(k)s.
One critical provision in these guidelines is encapsulated in Section 416 of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC), which outlines the conditions under which a 401(k) plan is considered to be top-heavy.
Specifically, a 401(k) plan becomes top-heavy when more than 60% of its total assets are held by key employees.
The IRS has revised the criteria for identifying key employees. For 2023, key employees are defined as follows:
The IRS mandates that all company-sponsored 401(k) plans undergo a series of nondiscrimination tests annually to ensure equitable access to retirement benefits. Among these tests, the top-heavy test plays a crucial role in ascertaining that key employees do not inordinately benefit from the 401(k) plan at the detriment of other employees.
The regulatory updates for 2023 underscore the IRS’s commitment to ensuring that retirement benefits are uniformly accessible across all levels of an organization. It is of paramount importance for companies to be cognizant of these changes and to consult with qualified tax professionals for guidance on maintaining compliance with these ever-changing regulations.
Small business 401(k) plans, particularly those experiencing high employee turnover, are at a greater risk of being classified as top-heavy compared to their larger counterparts. Larger organizations typically employ a diverse range of staff, including many who are not in management positions, thereby diluting the concentration of assets held by key employees.
Conversely, small businesses—especially those that have evolved from a closely-held ownership structure such as a family or spousal partnership—are more susceptible to having their asset distribution skewed in favor of key employees, unless contributions are also being made for the broader workforce.
It’s crucial to recognize that failing the top-heavy test is not only a common compliance issue but also one that can be particularly expensive to rectify. Therefore, understanding the likelihood that your 401(k) plan could be considered top-heavy is essential for both compliance and financial planning.
By staying vigilant and being aware of the factors that contribute to a top-heavy 401(k), organizations can take proactive measures to ensure equitable asset distribution and avoid costly corrective actions.
The determination dates are the first and last days of the plan year, so December 31st. This means that a plan failing the first year will also be top-heavy for the following year.
If you’re worried about the top-heavy test, you can:
Some steps will not help you pass testing. For instance, you can’t take a mid-year disbursement, which the IRS expressly forbids. You also can’t simply terminate or demote a key employee, as all funds contributed so far are still factored in. Additionally, you can’t cancel the plan or make a correction for funds already contributed.
One of the best ways to pass a top-heavy test is to add a Safe Harbor provision to your plan. You may choose to:
Best of all, employer contributions are tax-deductible. You have until October 1st for the Safe Harbor provision to go into effect at the start of the next year.
For help in choosing the right type of small business retirement plan, contact Ubiquity to schedule a free consultation. Attract and retain your workforce with our uncomplicated, flat-fee retirement savings plans.
If you are a small business owner and need a retirement plan for yourself and your company, only Ubiquity offers flat-fee plans1 plus expert guidance along the way.
We will fully customize your plan to meet the specific needs of your small business.
Setting up a 401(k) can feel daunting, but Ubiquity gives small business owners access to seasoned retirement planning experts in addition to industry-leading, low, flat fees1.
Each sales expert has over a decade of experience assisting business owners in 401(k) plan design. Take advantage of this free benefit.
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© 2023 Ubiquity Retirement + Savings
Privacy Policy
Do not sell my info
44 Montgomery Street, Suite 300
San Francisco, CA 94104
Support: 855.401.4357